Elgin man guilty in spy-camera case

WOODSTOCK – A 35-year-old Elgin man could be sentenced to up to three years in prison after admitting that he installed a pen-style spy-camera in a Ridgefield factory employee bathroom.

Miguel Bribiescas, a former supervisor at Ridgefield Industries Inc., pleaded guilty to felony unauthorized videotaping Wednesday. He could be sentenced to probation or to between one and three years in prison at his sentencing hearing Jan. 20, 2010.

If the case had gone to trial, witnesses would testify that Bribiescas installed the device and that at least one woman was taped without her permission, Assistant State’s Attorney Jeff Bora said. The majority of the video authorities found was footage of Bribiescas handling the device himself.

Police have said an employee discovered the recording device July 31 in a unisex bathroom and reported it to her boss. Company representatives immediately contacted police and soon fired Bribiescas.

Bribiescas’s attorney, Mary Baccam, said he was taking responsibility for his actions.